forbes.com
Fake It Until You Make It" Satirizes Race-Shifting and Non-Profit Funding
Larissa FastHorse's "Fake It Until You Make It," premiering at the Mark Taper Forum, satirizes race-shifting through a comedic rivalry between two non-profit leaders—one white, one Native American—competing for a federal grant, exposing issues of cultural appropriation and funding inequities.
- How does the play use humor and satire to critique the dynamics of power and privilege in the context of non-profit organizations and grant funding?
- The play highlights the debate surrounding self-identification, questioning whether there are limits to such choices and their potential ramifications for others. It uses the fictional rivalry to showcase how assumptions about who deserves funding based on race are harmful and absurd.
- What broader societal issues does the play address concerning authenticity, appropriation, and the role of race in determining access to resources and opportunities?
- FastHorse's work exposes the hypocrisy and performative activism often present in discussions of cultural appropriation, particularly within non-profit organizations where funding disparities are highlighted. The play suggests that race is a social construct and questions the validity of self-identification for personal gain.
- What are the ethical considerations raised by the play regarding self-identification, specifically concerning cultural appropriation and the potential for exploitation?
- Larissa FastHorse's satirical play, "Fake It Until You Make It," uses race-shifting as a comedic device to explore the complexities of identity and cultural appropriation. The play centers on a rivalry between two women heading non-profit organizations, one white and one Native American, who employ absurd tactics to undermine each other.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the debate around race shifting primarily through the lens of the play, emphasizing the comedic and satirical aspects. While this approach provides a unique perspective, it might overshadow the serious ethical and social implications of the issue. The focus on the absurdity of race shifting in the play could unintentionally downplay the real-world harm caused by those who exploit racial identities for personal gain. The headline itself emphasizes the comedic elements, which could set the tone for the reader's interpretation.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, however, terms like "cheekily addressed," "absurd fun," and descriptions of characters' actions as "audacious stunts" might subtly shape the reader's perception. These terms add a playful tone that could downplay the gravity of the issues raised about race and identity. More neutral language could include terms such as "examined" instead of "cheekily addressed," "central to the play's themes" instead of "absurd fun."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the play and its commentary on race shifting, but it omits discussion of potential counterarguments or differing viewpoints on the ethics and implications of self-identification. While acknowledging the existence of "pretendians," it doesn't delve into the complexities of individuals who genuinely question their racial identity or those who may have complex family histories. The lack of diverse perspectives limits a fully informed understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The play, and to some extent the article, presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor framing of authenticity versus appropriation. While highlighting the problematic nature of race shifting for personal gain, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of identity, particularly for individuals with multiracial backgrounds or those who identify differently than their assigned birth race. This oversimplification could lead readers to perceive the issue as black and white, neglecting the gray areas of self-discovery and cultural identity.
Gender Bias
The article features several women in prominent roles, both in the play and in real life (Larissa FastHorse, Julie Bowen, Tonantzin Carmelo). However, the analysis of gender is minimal. While the Two-Spirit character is mentioned, the discussion lacks depth regarding the representation of gender and sexuality within Indigenous communities and the play itself. More analysis on the portrayal of women characters and their motivations in the play could offer a richer perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The play tackles the issue of race shifting, highlighting the inequalities and privileges associated with claiming a different racial identity. By satirizing this behavior, the play indirectly promotes a more equitable society by prompting discussion about the systemic advantages certain groups hold and the harm caused by misrepresentation.